Celebrating Youth and the New Generations – Travelife for Accommodation

Celebrating young people and
their role in sustainability

By Sara Grieve, 12 August 2026

In this article, Travelife for Accommodation celebrates the youth of today and why they are so important for sustainability.

Turning Awareness into Action

New generations are witnessing firsthand global climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality on their doorstep and are determined to make a difference not only for their own future but for generations to come.

UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2024 report highlights how climate and environmental crises are already shaping children’s lives and will have profound implications for their future.

Whether influenced by their parents, teachers, social media influencers or simply because they feel it is their responsibility, young people are increasingly creating more sustainable ways of living and addressing climate change issues. In doing so, they are challenging social norms and helping to shape the world and the society we live in.

Research by the OECD in 2022 shows that young people’s pro-environmental attitudes are associated with taking action to benefit the environment, and that parents and peers can play an important role in translating environmental concern into action.

The power of social media and reconnecting with nature

Social media connects millions of people globally and this form of communication is enabling young people to share their opinions and start movements that are making a difference. These include fighting to preserve the planet and natural environment, support for animal welfare, global labour rights, and human and women’s rights.

Today, younger generations are on a mission to be seen and heard, and many are already leading meaningful change. In an increasingly online world, the younger generation are becoming aware that preservation of the natural world is not only important for the planet, but for their own health and wellbeing.

We are seeing increased participation in outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, surfing and mindfulness associated with being in the outdoors. Influencers such as Roma Wells and TV presenter Steve Backshall, have put nature back in the “cool” category, popularised the natural world and have large numbers of young followers. Influencers like these help make nature and biodiversity fun and engaging for younger generations, encouraging them to be part of the solution.

Young Voices Can Make a Real Difference too

High-profile campaigners such as Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai help set the tone for the new, younger generation, showing the world that age is not a barrier to driving change.

At 16 years of age, Greta Thunberg was named Person of the Year by Time Magazine in 2019 in recognition of her work as a climate change activist – the youngest person to achieve this accolade.

The United Nations has recognised 12 July as Malala Day, which commemorates the day she addressed the United Nations in New York on her 16th birthday. The day celebrates the work of Malala Yousafzai on human rights and advocating for global access to education for every child.

Empowering the Next Generation Through Hospitality and Travel

The hospitality industry can play an important role in empowering the next generation. As part of the travel and tourism sector and one of the world’s leading employers of young people, hotels have a unique opportunity to nurture future sustainability leaders by providing training, encouraging innovation and giving young employees a voice in shaping environmental and social initiatives.

By investing in their ideas and recognising their contribution, the industry can not only create more sustainable businesses but also inspire a generation of leaders committed to making a positive impact.

From a customer perspective, youth travel is often overlooked for its potential to enable positive action. Travelling can allow young people to celebrate the natural world, experience different cultures and gain a broader outlook beyond their existing boundaries. In 2023, research suggested that half of the global population is 30 or younger, and this is expected to reach 57% by the end of 2030. Therefore, it is vital that the travel and tourism sector prepares for the next generation.

Celebrating Young People and Their Potential

We must do more than applaud young people’s passion. Governments, businesses, industries and communities all have a role to play in empowering the next generation with the skills and opportunities by giving them a platform. By listening to their voices, investing in their ideas and working alongside them, we can create a future that is not only more sustainable, but also more inclusive, innovative and resilient.

International Youth Day is celebrated on 12th August every year and provides an opportunity to participate in a global celebration of young people’s voices and initiatives, including youth issues and the potential of youth.

Think about how your business can support and celebrate it each year.